Government to Launch 100 New Food Testing Labs by FY26
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Synopsis
The Indian government has announced plans to set up 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories in the financial year 2025-26 to improve food safety and quality across the nation. This initiative is part of the PMKSY program, which aims to bolster the food processing sector and support farmers.
Key Takeaways
- 100 new NABL-accredited food testing labs to be established.
- Union Minister of State for Railways announced financial support.
- Part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
- 169 projects already completed under the initiative.
- Supports compliance with global food safety standards.
New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) In an effort to bolster food safety and quality, the government declared on Saturday its intention to set up 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories throughout the country in the fiscal year 2025-26.
During an event in Bathinda, Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, announced that the ministry will provide financial backing for these 100 food testing labs.
Bittu inaugurated a state-of-the-art food testing laboratory at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, emphasizing the essential role of food testing in maintaining food safety.
“Testing is crucial for ensuring that food products adhere to safety standards and are devoid of harmful contaminants and pathogens,” he stated.
This initiative is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), which has earmarked Rs 503.47 crore for 205 laboratory projects.
Out of these, 169 projects have been finalized, with Rs 349.21 crore already disbursed.
These laboratories are pivotal in fulfilling the demands of major regulatory bodies such as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Export Inspection Council of India (EIC), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), as well as international organizations like USFDA and EU regulations.
Farmers and producers in sectors including citrus fruits, green peas, cauliflower, carrots (both fresh and frozen), milk and milk products, basmati rice, wheat, millets such as bajra and sorghum, mustard and sunflower oilseeds, and farm-produced shrimp will reap the benefits of these advanced facilities.
These laboratories play a key role in ensuring compliance with global standards, aiding exports, and enhancing the overall quality of food products, which ultimately leads to an increase in farmers' income and job opportunities, particularly for skilled technical personnel.
Further detailing the accomplishments of the food processing sector in Punjab, Ravneet Singh mentioned that the Ministry has sanctioned 24 cold chain projects amounting to Rs 553 crore, 3 agro-processing cluster projects worth Rs 70 crore, 16 food processing units with an investment of Rs 432 crore, and 10 food testing laboratories totaling Rs 48 crore.
Under the PMKSY scheme, 61 projects valued at Rs 1,557 crore have been sanctioned in Punjab, with a grant of Rs 419 crore.
